The defending champion Red Wings use the home-ice edge in Game 7 for a nail-biting 4-3 win over the Ducks to reach the Western finals against Chicago. Wes Goldstein says Detroit advances because it has depth.

Looking for heart and desire? The Rockets have all you need. Luis Scola steps up with 24 points and 12 rebounds to help Houston continue to defy the odds and hold off the Lakers 95-80 to force a Game 7. Full story

The Jays, Red Sox and Cards remain the cream of the crop. The rest of the league, meanwhile, can take solace knowing they're not Padre-bad. Well, except for the Padres, Larry Dobrow says. Power Rankings

LeBron James and the white-hot Cavs are on a mission. For the second straight playoff game, James -- who scores 27 points -- and Cleveland crush Atlanta, this time 105-85 in Game 2 to take a 2-0 series lead. Story

Movies try to tug at the heart strings, evoke sympathy for the protagonist. It's expected, especially when the character is ... Mike Tyson? Sorry, but Mike Freeman isn't buying this work of emotional manipulation. Story

It's a delicate situation. The Yankees prefer to avoid all the A-Rod chatter, but they're eager for his return, Danny Knobler says in his Look Ahead. In Weekend Buzz, Scott Miller says the Dodgers are hunting for history.

Charging Anaheim sank the top-seeded Sharks and might be playing its best hockey in two years. But Wes Goldstein says the Ducks are about to face the NHL's best -- the Wings. Previews: ANA-DET | CHI-VAN

It makes total sense for someone like Hasheem Thabeet to declare early despite some of his imperfections, Gary Parrish says. But what is the point for those who have virtually no chance of being drafted? Story

Kobe's desire not to return to Utah this season comes through with a 31- point performance in the Lakers' 107-96 first-round-clinching victory over the visiting Jazz. Lamar Odom adds 26 points. Story | Postgame

Why complaints of 'it's too high to take him there'? Why isn't Knowshon Moreno being talked about more and Rey Maualuga less? Pete Prisco runs through these and other draft subjects that puzzle him. Full story

Weren't the champs ripe for the taking? Not so fast. Rajon Rondo's solid all-around play helps the Celtics reclaim home-court advantage by beating the Bulls 107-86. Chicago can't take the pressure, John Jackson says.

That Presidents' Trophy and the top seed that comes with it seem to mean very little for the Sharks right now. Anaheim drops San Jose 4-0 and takes a commanding 3-1 lead in this all-California series. Full story